Dispensing caps and assemblies containing same



April 25, 1961 A. B. CAMPBELL 2,981,446

DISPENSING CAPS AND ASSEMBLIES CONTAINING SAME Filed Jan. 5, 1959 2Sheets-Sheet 1 @Weya A ril 25, 1961 A. B. CAMPBELL 2,931,446

DISPENSING CAPS AND ASSEMBLIES CONTAINING SAME Filed Jan. 5, 1959 2Sheets-Sheet 2 a0 3i .25 Z1 a 42 36 40 L 44 r I Z '37 I ll I as 44 41 3332 f .20 35/, 61 ff 3i 4;; v r 7 g. 43 62 Z 2 1 66 a y (I f 64Qfl/ZC727Z7Z7/ QZZeW-Z'Z QW United States Patent DISPENSING CAPS ANDASSEMBLIES CONTAINING SAME Albert B. Campbell, Glen Ellyn, Ill.,assignor to Campbell Products Co., Bensenville, 11]., a corporation oflinois Filed Jan. 5, 1959, Ser. No. 785,000

6 Elaims. (Cl. 222-494) This invention relates to dispensing caps thatare adapted to be used primarily with aerosol dispensers, and thecombination of said dispensing caps with components of dispenserassemblies.

My cap is made of a single piece of flexible plastic. The cap comprisesa skirt having a fluid outlet, a depressible tab or diaphragm spaced atthe top of the skirt,

and a rigid upstanding wall that extends above the diaphragm forpreventing accidental depression of the dia-- phragm and valve stem andunintentional release of the contents of the container. This cap may beused in a dispenser assembly comprising a container having an upperopening for receiving and retaining a valve assembly, a valve assemblysecured to the container having a vertically reciprocative valve stem,and the integral, flexible plastic cap.

The rigid upstanding Wall extends above the depressible diaphragm andrcciprocative valve stem, thereby preventing accidental depression ofthe diaphragm and dispensing valve stem. Therefore, (a) the diaphragmmay be depressed independently of the upstanding wall, but only byselective pressure applied within the boundary of the upstanding wall,(b) the cap may be secured to the container without actuating thedispensing valve structure, and (c) dispenser assemblies may be stackedone upon another without causing unintentional depression of thediaphragm and valve stem.

There are essentially two general types of dispensing valve assembliesused today in aerosol type dispenser assemblies. In the first type ofdispensing valve structure, the valve stem is a tubular member that maybe depressed to unseat the valve. This depression causes the contents ofthe dispenser assembly to be discharged from the container properthrough a tubular passage that extends along the longitudinal axis ofsaid tubular stem. This type of valve structure is shown in- AbplanalpsPatent 2,631,814 and is referred to in Abplanalps Patent 2,753,214 andhis Reissue Patent 24,555. In the second type of valve assembly thecontents of the dispenser assembly are dispensed by the verticaldisplacement of a valve stem, which causes the contents of the containerto be ejected from the container through an annulus that circumscribesthe periphery of the stem. This second type of valve structure is shownin Campbell Patents 2,755,973 and 2,766,915.

When the first type of valve assembly is used, caps of the type shown ineither Patent 2,753,214 or Reissue Patent 24,555 may be used. Theresilient plastic cap shown in Patent 2,753,214 is adapted to be securedto the container. This cap is provided with a resilient diaphragm or tabthat overlies the tubular valve stem and has a chambered hub which formsa socket in which the upper end of the tubular valve stem is retained. Adischarge passage leads from the cylindrical chamber in the hub to aspout. When the diaphragm is depressed by the operator, the valve isunseated, thereby enabling the contents of the container to' bedispensed out the dis- 2,981,446 Patented Apr. 25, 1961 lice penserassembly through the stem, chamber, passage, and spout.

It has been reported that the diaphragm of the cap shown in Patent2,753,214 has many objectionable characteristics. One such objectionattributed to this cap was deemed inherent in the fact that the hub hadto fit over the tubular valve stem of the container and experienceshowed that, when enough'pressure was placed on the cap as a whole toforce it over the'lip of the can in mounting the cap on the can, theapplication of such pressure to force the hub into engagement with thevalve stem would cause discharge of the contents of the can through thenozzle of the cap and in order to produce a marketable product. Thedischarged material had to be wiped ofli, which meant extra labor costsand was altogether undesirable because the interior of the spout couldnot be entirely cleaned of the product which lodged therein. Thisproblem of accidental depression of the diaphragm when the cap wassecured to the container was alleviated to at least some degree by theuse of the cap shown in Reissue Patent 24,555.

The cap shown in Reissue Patent 24,555 is substantially similar to thecap shown in Patent 2,753,214. However, the circular diaphragm of thecap shown in Patent 2,753,214 is secured to the skirt portion along itsentire circular periphery, whereas the circular diaphragm shown inReissue Patent M555 is hingedly attached to theskirt at the top thereoffor a short distance along its periphery. From the customers standpoint,the cap shown in Reissue Patent 24,555 is much easier to install sinceit may be made with a substantially rigid peripheral Wall or skirt whichmay be forced down over the lip of a container with enough pressure toquickly and firmly secure it in place while the diaphragm is pivotedalong its flexible hinge in an upward direction without exertingdepressible pressure onthe valve stem. Pressure may then be applied tothe diaphragm to seat the upper portion of the valve stem in thechambered hub at the center vof the diaphragm. Thus, when the cap of thereissue patent is secured to the container, the hinged diaphragm ismoved in an upward direction more readily and a further distance thanthe diaphragm of the cap shown in Patent 2,753,214. However, despite theadvantages that may result from the use of a hinged diaphragm, there isstill some chance of. the stem being depressed when the cap is securelyfitted to the container and the upper end of the tubular valve stem. Myinvention obviates this danger of unintended depression of the tubularvalve stem.

When the second type of valve assembly is used, the

dispensing cap may be readily secured to the container withoutcontacting the top end of the valve stem. For example, the Campbellpatents referred to above show a cap wherein the depressible diaphragmis positioned above the upper end of the valve stem and the stern anddiaphragm are not secured to each other. Campbells cap normally contactsthe valve stem only when the diaphragm and stem are depressed, therebycausing the valve stem to be actuated to a dispensing position. However,when this type of valve assembly and valve stem are used, the ejectedcontents of the container fill the confines of the cavity that is formedbetween the cap and container. My present invention permits thedepressible diaphragm of the type shown in the Campbell patents to behinged along a part of its periphery in much the same manner as shown inAbplanalp Reissue Patent 24,555, thereby providing the diaphragm withfreer depressible movement. At the same time, my invention permits theresulting hinged diaphragm to be normally free of the upper end of thevalve stem.

My new dispensing caps and the combination of said caps with componentsof a dispenser assembly are illustrated in the accompanying diagrammaticdrawings, wherein: I

Figure 1 is a plan view of the cap structure shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure2 is an enlarged partial sectional elevational view of a dispenserassembly comprising a dispensing cap, dispensing valve assembly of thetype shown in Abplanalp Patent 2,631,814, and container;

Figure 3 is an enlarged partial sectional elevational View, similar tothat shown in Figure 2, showing the hinged diaphragm of the cap andassociated tubular valve stem in a depressed, dispensing position;

Figure 4 is an enlarged bottom view of the dispensing cap shown inFigures 1-3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged partialsectional elevational view showing asecond cap in combination with the same valve assembly shown in Figures2 and 3;

Figure 6 is an enlarged partialsectional elevational view showing thesecond cap embodiment and a second dispensing valve assembly of the typeshown in Campbell Patent 2,755,973; and a Figure 7 is an enlargedpartial sectional elevational view, similar to that of Figure 6, showingthe second cap embodiment in a depressed position and the associatedvalve stem of the second valve assembly in a depressed, dispensingposition.

The two embodiments of my dispensing cap structure shown in (a) Figures1-4 and (b) Figures 5-7 are adapted to be used, interchangeably, witheither a reciprocative, hollow, tubular valve stem, such as illustratedin Patent 2,631,814, or the solid, reciprocative valve stem, such asshown in accompanying Figures 6 and 7 (corresponds with Campbell Patent2,755,973) or Campbell Patent 2,766,915.

The drawings show aerosol dispenser assemblies, each of which has (1) acontainer, (2) valve assembly, and (3) cap, which comprises: (1) adispenser container having an upper opening for receiving a dispensingvalve assembly; (2) a dispensing valve assembly fitted to the topopening of the container and retained thereat; said valve assemblyhaving a substantially vertically extending fluid passage means with anupper outlet positioned above said container and a lower inletcommunicating with the confines of said container; a verticallyextending, vertically reciprocative valve stem having an upper portionextending above said container; and sealing means for selectivelyopening and sealably closing said fluid passage means; said sealingmeans, valve stem and passage means being operatively associated witheach other so that (a) said sealing means normally closes said passagerneans -and thereby prevents the egress of contents of said containerthrough said passage outlet, and (b) movement of said stem from itsnormal position permits the egress of contents or said container throughsaid passage outlet; and (3) an integral, flexible plastic capcomprising a substantially cylindrical skirt portion normally secured tosaid container and normally circumscribing said passage means and saidupper portion of the reciprocative valve stem; the lower end of saidskirt having retaining means for permitting the cap to be secured to avalve support or cup, which is in turn secured to the container andbecomes a part thereof; said skirt portion having a fluid outlet throughwhich the contents of the container are adapted to spout; when the capis secured to the container, said fluid outlet therein extends at anangle to the axis of said stem; said cap having a substantially fiat,flexible, circular, resiliently hinged diaphragm at the top of saidskirt and overlying said upper portion of the valve stern which, whendepressed, contacts said valve stem and depresses it from its normalposition towards said container opening, thereby permitting the egressof contents of said container through said passage outlet; asubstantially vertical, rigid upstanding wall extending from the skirtand projectingabove said skirt and depressible. diaphragm, therebypreventing accidentalde- 4. pression of said depressible diaphragm andsaid valve stem; said diaphragm being capable of being depressedindependently of said upstanding wall but only by selective pressureapplied within the boundary of the upstanding wall.

Referring first to the cap 10 shown in Figures 1-4, the cap 10 showntherein comprises a tubular skirt 11 that extends downwardly from thediaphragm opening 13 and diaphragm 14. A rigid upstanding wall 12extends from the skirt 11 above the diaphragm opening 13 and diaphragm14', and prevents accidental depression of the diaphragm. The lowerportion of the skirt 11 is flared outwardly at 16 and is provided withan internal bead 17 so that the cap 10 may be sprung over and secured tothe peripheral edge of the cup or support 8. The cup 8 supports thevalve dispensing assembly 50, of the type shown in Abplanalp Patent2,631,814, and is secured to and forms a part of the metal can orcontainer 9. The valve assembly 50 has a rcciprocative tubular valvestem 51. The resiliently hinged, circular diaphragm 14 is entirely freefrom attachment to the skirt 11 except for a relatively narrowperipheral resilient hinge connection 13 which is shown in Figure 1.Although the diaphragm 14 is otherwise unattached to the skirt 11 andopening 13, its peripheral edge is positioned adjacent thereto. Thehinge 18 permits the diaphragm 14 to be pivoted downwardly along itsarcuate axis and to return to a raised position.

The inner or lower side of the diaphragm 14 has an integral, collapsibletubular hub 19 with tubular chamber 20 having an upper offset portionwhich forms an annular shoulder 21. The shoulder 21 and chamber 20 areshown positioned in spaced relation to the top and longitudinallyextending sides of the dispensing valve stem 51 when the diaphragm 14 isin its normal position, such as shown in Figure 2. Thus, when the cap11) is secured to the container 9, the cap can in no way cause or effectthe unintended depression of the tubular valve stem 51. The lowertubular portion of the collapsible hub 19 has vertically extending slots22 formed therein. The lower portion of the slotted hub 19 rests on thevalve assembly 50 in the manner shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2,the slots 22 extend from the bottom of the hub 19 to about two-thirdsthe height of the hub, but below the upper end of the tubular valve stem51. The lower slotted portion of the hub 19'has an upwardly and inwardlyprojecting taper 23.

When the operator wishes to actuate the valve assembly 50, thediaphragm1 4 should be depressed from its position shown in Figure 2 to itspivoted position shown in Figure 3, during which the tapered portion 23of the slotted hub 19 is moved downwardly and outwardly and the shoulder21 is brought into engagement with the upper end of the stem 51. Thispivotal movement of the diaphragm 14 depresses the stem 51 and causesthe valve to be actuated to ,a dispensing position.

A rib 24 extends radially from the hub 19 to the skirt 11 directly belowthe hinge 18 and upstanding wall 12. The rib 24 is shown in Figures 2-4to be integrally joined at its peripheral outer end to the skirt 11 andat its upper side to the diaphragm 14. The rib 24 is provided with aninternal tubular passage 25 which communicates with the spout 15 and thechamber 20 of the hub 19 and the top open end of the tubular stem 51.

In operation, the contents of the container 9 shown in Figures 2 and 3may be dispensed with the cap 10 by depressing the diaphragm 14 from itsnormal position shown in Figure 2 to its dispensing position shown inFigure 3. The depression of the diaphragm causes the annular shoulder 21to contact the upper end of the tubular stem 51, which, in turn,depresses the stem to its dispensing position. The slots 22 at the lowerend of the hub 19 and the lower tapered surface 23 thereof facilitatethe depression of-the-shoulder 21 of-the collapsible hub 19,-asrshownin- Figure 3. Oncethevalve assembly SO hasbeenactuated, "the contents ofthe con: tainer 9 are ejected through the dip tube 7, through thetubular stem 51 into the tubular chamber in the hub 19, into the passagein the rib 24, and out of the cap through the spout 15. When thediaphragm 14 is depressed as shown in Figure 4, the upper portion of thechamber 20, adjacent the passage 25, sealably engages the stem 51,thereby preventingthe flow-back of, the ejected contents of thecontainer 9 into the cavity defined by the cap 10 and cup 8. Once thefingers of the operatorare removed from the depressed diaphragm '14, thestem 51 will be urged to its upper, normal position, and the diaphragmwill fiex back to a raised position. During this dispensing operation,the cap 10 contacts the stem 51 only when the diaphragm 14 is depressed.

The cap shown in Figures 6 and 7, and shown in part in Figure 5, may beused in conjunction with either the valvetassembly 50 as shown in Figure5 or valve assembly 60fdisclosed in Figures 6 and 7. 'Irrespective ofthe par-ticul'ar valve assembly with which the cap 30 is used, thedepression of the resiliently hinged diaphragm 34 causes the hub 39 tocollapse and the cylindrical valve stem to be depressed. Figure 5 showsthe cap 30 supported directly on the cup 8, whereas Figures 6' and 7show the cap 30 resting on the cup 70. Withrespect to theassembly shownin Figure '5, th cap 30 operatesthe valve assembly 50 in the same mannerdescribedjabove with respect to the cap 10, except 'that the weakenedhub 39 is supported by'the cup 8 instead ofthe valve and itsdepressionisfacilitated by means of thegroove 42 instead of "slots and a tapered"surface. Actuation of the valve assembly 50' causes the ejectedmaterialto pass through the dip tube 7, through the stern 51a into thetubular chamber 40 in the hub 39, into the passage 44 in the rib 43, andout of the cap 30 through the spout that is shown. in Figures 6 and 7.When the diaphragm 34 of the cap 30 shown in Figure. 5 is depressed, thecap assumes the shape shown in Figure 7. v i

When thecap 30 is use d in conjunction with the valve assembly 60 shownin Figures 6 and 7, the diaphragm and valve stem 61 are depressed in thesame manner as described above with respect to the assembly showninjFig'ur'e 5. However, the valveassembly 60,

which is ofthe type shown in Campbell Patent 2,755,973, operates 'in asomewhat different manner that that de- I scribed above with respect; tovalve assembly 50.

More specificallyfthe skirt 31 of the cap30 extends downwardly from thediaphragm. opening 33 and hinged diaphragm 34. {An upstanding wall 32extends from, the skirt 31 abovelthe diaphragm opening 33 anddiaphragm.,34, and. prevents accidental depression of the diaphragm 34The lower portion of the skirt 31 is flaredoutwardly at 36 .and isprovided with an internal head 37 so that the cap can be'sprung over andsecured to the peripheral edge of either the circular cup 8 shown inFigure S or cup 70 of Figures 6 and 7. The hinged diaphragm 34 isentirely-free from the attachment of the skirt 31 except for a narrowlyperipheral resilient hinge connection38 that is similar'to the hinge 18shown in Figure' lwith respect to the cap 10', .Although-thediaphragm 34is otherwise unattached to the skirtSl and a diaphragm opening 33, itsperipheral- 4186 is positioned adjacent thereto. 1 The. resilient hinge38 permits, the diaphragmv 34 to be pivoted along its arcuate axis andto returnto a. raised position;

The inner on lower side of the diaphragm 34 has an integral tubular hub39 .with a tubular chamber 40having an uppersoffset portion which formsanannular shoulder '41. The shoulder 41 and chamber 40 are positioned'inspaced relation to .the top and longitudinally extending sides ofthedispensing valve stem (stem 51 of Figure 5 and stem 61 in Figures 6 and7) when the diaphragm 34is in its normal position, such as shown inFigures 5 and 6. Thus, when the cap30 is secured to the container 9, thecap can in no way cause or afiect the unintended depression of theassociated valve stem. The lower portion of the collapsible hub 39 has atriangular annular groove 42 therein. This groove 42 weakens the hub 39and facilitates its radial extension when the hinged diaphragm isdepressed as shown in Figure 7. The broken lines d in Figure 5 show theposition of the outer wall of the hub 39 when it is depressed.

A rib 43 extends radially from the hub 39 of the skirt 31 below thehinge 38 and upstanding wall 32 in a manner somewhat similar to thatshown in Figures 1 and 2 with respect to the cap 10. The rib 43 is shownin Figures 6 and 7- to be integrally joined at its peripheral outerend'to the skirt 31 and at its upper side to the diaphragm 34. The rib43 is provided with'an internal tubular passage 44 which communicateswith the. spout 35 and the chamber 40 of the hub 39. y

The dispensing valve assembly shown in Figures 6 and 7 comprises acylindrical bonnet member 63 having a bottom opening witha dip tube 64secured thereto for receiving .the contents of the container 9. Thebonnet 63 is secured tothe'cup 70, which, in turn, is secured to thecontainer.9'and;becomes a part thereof.

' The bonnet 63 has a lower internal shoulde'r-65. A resion until saidgate element66 has been at least partially compressed in a downward"direction. The bottom surface of the gate 66 'is provided withaneck-like or cylindrical protruding portion 68 that is received by "theupper narrow portion of the spring 67. The valve stem 61 is insertedinto the opening 62 in the gate element 66. I In operating the valveassembly 60, the first applied finger pressure against the depressiblediaphragm 34 shown in Figure 6 causes the shoulder 41 to contact theupper end of the valve stem 61 and depress thesten'lv a slight distanceto a dispensing position. The displacement of stem 61, as-shown inFigure 7, causes the resilient valve gate element'66 to be compressedslightly,

the pressure exerted through thestem'being insufficient to compressthecoiled spring 67 'until the g'ate" element 66 has been at leastpartially compressed; Thefcompres sioni'ofwalve' gate element 66and'sprin'g, in tandem, results in displacing the sealing surface ashort distance from the detent' or valve seat portion 720i the cup 70.The pressure within the aerosol container forces the contents up throughthe diptube ,64, through the coiled spring 67 and passageway betweenelem ent 66 and bonn'et 63, out of the bonnet 63 through the centralopening 71 of the cup 70, around the stem 61.into the chamber 140 of thehub 39, through the passage-44 in the rib 43 and ultimately out'throughthe1jspout35r It can be readily seenfr'om the above drawings, that mydispensing capsmaylbe:readilysecured to the containerfwithout contactingthe reciprocative valve stem until the depressible diaphragmisintentionally' depressed by the operatorto an actuating position..-Further, it can be readily. seenj'that my c pam y be readily used withthe types of reciprocative stem shown in Abplanalp -Patent 2,63l,814,]aswell as the valve shown in Gampbelh Patents 2,766,9151and 2,755,973. Onthe other hand,

the caps shown in. Abplanalp Patent 2,753,214 and Abplanalp-ReissuePatent 24,555 may not. beeffectiv'ely' used with the type of valve *stCampbell patents. H r

The caps lfland- 39 may be-made of resilientplasticctureshown in saidmaterial such as polyethylene, or other suitable polymer or copolymer.The collapsible hubs 19 and 39 of caps and 30, respectively, may beweakened by means other than disclosed above, and may normally rest onthe valve, such as shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may be supported by thecup or container as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. Although I preferthat chambers 20 and and shoulders 21 and 41 of caps 10 and 30 normallydo not contact the valve stem, these caps may be modified so that theirchambers contact the stem along its outer longitudinally extendingsurface; however, it is important that the shoulders 21 and 41 do notcontact the valve stem until the diaphragm is depressed and actuation ofthe valve assembly is desired.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness ofunderstanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should'be understoodtherefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. An integral, flexible plastic dispensing cap for aerosol dispenserassemblies comprising: a substantially cylindrical skirt portion with abottom portion engageable with a dispenser container; said skirt havinga dispensing opening; a depressible diaphragm extending across an upperinterior portion of said skirt and resiliently hinged thereto along apart only of the internalperiphcry of said skirt; a collapsible,resilient chambered hub projecting downwardly from the lower side ofsaid diaphragm, said hub being collapsible upon selective depression ofthe diaphragm; said hub having a continuous chamber with an opening atthe bottom of said hub; the lower portion of the hub contacting duringoperation of the cap a separate supporting surface of the dispenser thattends to restrain downward movement of the hub during depression of thediaphragm and collapsing of the hub; said hub having inwardly directedvalve actuating means that is normally free of direct actuating contactwith an underlying reciprocative valve stem of a valve assembly; meanspositioned below the diaphragm between said skirt and hub having acontinuous passage communicating with said dispensing opening and saidchamber in the hub; said depressible diaphragm being capable of beinghingedly depressed by the application of pressure thereupon; saidselective depression of the diaphragm etfecting the depression of saidcollapsible hub and depression of the valve actuating means to aposition that then depresses the underlying reciprocativevalve stem,thereby causing the unseating'of valve means for the dischargeofcontents of the container through said dispensing openingof the cap. p

2. An integrahflexible plastic dispensing cap for aerosol dispenserassemblies comprising: a substantially cylindrical skirt portion with abottom portion engageable with a dispenser container;;said skirt havinga dispensing opening; a depressiblediaphragm extending across an upperinterior portion of said skirt and resiliently hinged thereto along apart only of the internal periphery'of said skirt; an upstandingprotective wall extending above the diaphragm, 'said wall preventingaccidental depression of the diaphragm against an underlyingreciprocative valve stem of a dispensing valve assembly; a collapsible,resilient chambered hub projecting downwardly from the lower side ofsaid diaphragm, said hub being collapsible upon selective depression ofthe diaphragm; said 'hub having a downwardly extending continuouschamber with an opening at the bottom; said'hub having an offset valveactuating shoulder that normally free'of direct actuating contact withthe underlying reciprocative valve stem;

the lower portion'of the hub contacting during operation 7 of the cap aseparate supporting surfaceof the dispenser that tends to restraindownward movementof the hub duringldepression of-the diaphragm andcollapsing of thehub; means positioned below the diaphragm between saidskirt and hub having a continuous passage communicating with' saiddispensing'opening and said chamber in the hub; said depressiblediaphragm being capable of being hingedly depressed only by selectivepressure applied within the boundary of said upstanding wall;;saidselective depression of the diaphragm effecting the depression of saidcollapsible hub and depression of the offset shoulder into actuatingcontact with the underlying reciprocative valve stem, thereby causingthe unseating of valve means for the discharge of contents of thecontainer through said dispensing opening of the cap.

3. An integral, flexible plastic dispensing cap for aerosol dispenserassemblies comprising: a substantially cylindrical skirt portion with abottom portion engageable with a dispenser container; said skirt havinga dispensing opening; a depressible diaphragm extending across an upperinterior portion of said skirt and resiliently hinged thereto along apart only of the internal periphcry of said skirt; an upstandingprotective wall extending above the diaphragm, said wall preventingaccidental depression of the diaphragm against an underlyingreciprocative valve stem of a dispensing valve assembly;'a collapsible,resilient chambered hub projecting downwardly from the lower side ofsaid diaphragm, said hub being collapsible upon selective depression ofthe diaphragm; said hub having a downwardly extending continuous chambervw'th an opening at the bottom of said hub; the lower portion of thehubcontacting during operation of the cap a separate supporting surfaceof the dispenser that tends to restrain downward movement of the hubduring depression of the diaphragm and collapsing of the hub; said hubhaving upwardly extending slots and an upwardly and inwardly extendingtaper extending from bottom thereof; said hub having inwardly directedvalve actuating means that is normally free of direct actuating contactwith the underlying reciprocative valve stem; means positioned below thediaphragm between said skirt and hub having a continuous passagecommunicating with said dispensing opening and said chamber in the hub;said depressible diaphragm being capable of being hingedly depressedonly by selective pressure applied within the boundary of saidupstanding wall; said selective depression of the diaphragm effectingthe depression of said collapsible hub and depression of the valveactuating means to a position that then depresses the underlyingreciprocative valve stem, thereby causing the unseating of valve meansfor the discharge of contents of the container through said dispensingopening of the cap.

4. An integral, flexible plastic dispensing cap for aerosol dispenserassemblies comprising: a substantially cylindrical skirt portion with abottom portion engageable with a dispenser container; said skirt havinga dispensing opening; a depressible diaphragm extending across an upperinterior portion of said skirt and resiliently hinged thereto along apart only of the internal periphery of said skirt; an upstandingprotective wall extending above the diaphragm, said wall preventingaccidental depression of the diaphragm against an'underlyingreciprocative valve stem of a dispensing valve assembly; a collapsible,resilient chambered hub projecting downwardly from the lower side ofsaid diaphragm, said hub being collapsible upon selective depression ofthe diaphragm; said hub having a downwardly extending continuous chamberwith an ope ing at the bottom of said hub; the lower portion of the hubcontacting during operation of the cap a separate supporting surface ofthe dispenser that tends to restrain downward movement of the hub duringdepression of the diaphragm and collapsing of the hub; said hub having aweakened wall; said hub having inwardly directed valve actuating meansthat is normally free of direct actuating contact with the underlyingreciprocative valve stem; means positioned below the diaphragm betweensaid skirt and hub having a continuous passage communicating with saiddispensing opening and said chamber in the hub; said depressiblediaphragm being capable of beinghingedly depressed only by selectivepressure applied within the boundary of said upstanding wall; saidselective depression of the diaphragm effecting the depression of saidcollapsible hub and depression of the valve actuating means to aposition that then depresses the underlying reciprocative valve stem,thereby causing the unseating of valve means for the discharge ofcontents of the container through said dispensing opening of the cap.

5. A dispenser assembly having a container, valve assembly and cap,which comprises: a dispenser container having an upper opening forreceiving a dispensing valve assembly; a dispensing valve assemblyfitted to the top opening of the container and retained thereat; saidvalve assembly having a substantially vertically extending fluid passagemeans with an upper outlet positioned above said container and a lowerinlet communicating with the confines of said container; a verticallyextending, vertically reciprocative valve stem having an upperportion'extending above said container; and sealing means forselectively opening and sealably closing said fluid passage means; saidsealing means, valve stem and passage means being operatively associatedwith each other so that said sealing means normally closes said passagemeans and thereby prevents the egress of contents of said containerthrough said passage outlet, and movement of said stem from its normalposition permits the egress of contents of said container through saidpassage outlet; and an integral, flexible plastic dispensing capcomprising a substantially cylindrical skirt portion with a bottomportion engageable with the dispenser container; said skirt having adispensing opening; a depressible diaphragm extending across an upperinterior portion of said skirt and resiliently hinged thereto along apart only of the internal periphery of said skirt; a collapsible,resilient chambered hub projecting downwardly from the lower side ofsaid diaphragm, saidhub being collapsible upon selective depression ofthe diaphragm; said hub having a continuous chamber with an opening atthe bottom of said hub; the lower portion of the hub contacting duringoperation of the cap a separate supporting surface of the dispenser thattends to restrain downward movement of the hub during depression of thediaphragm and collapsing of the hub; said hub having inwardly directedvalve actuating means that is normally free of direct actuating contactwith the underlying reciprocative valve stem; means positioned below thediaphragm between said skirt and hub having a continuous passagecommunicating with said dispensing opening and said chamber in the hub;said depressible diaphragm being capable of being hingedly depressed bythe application of pressure thereupon; said selective depression of thediaphragm efiecting the depression of said collapsible hub anddepression of the valve actuating means to a position that thendepresses the underlying reciprocative valve stem, thereby causing theunseating of said sealing means for the discharge of contielnts of thecontainer through said dispensing opening of t e cap.

6. The dispenser assembly of claim 5 wherein the cap has an upstandingwall extending above the diaphragm, thereby preventing accidentaldepression of the diaphragm against the underlying valve stem.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

